Mabon Giveaway

Just to let you know, I'm off to Sri Lanka tomorrow. There will be (probably) no time for the internet. So I won't be around much, but I scheduled a few posts! :)


&


Congrats to Kristia who won the Lughnasadh Giveaway! :)


Now it's time for the Mabon Giveaway!

You can win a copy of Seraphina. It's international and it ends on September 20. I know, that's a long time, but:
Mabon Giveaway is part of the Wheel of the Year Giveaways. There are 8 Sabbats during the year and for every one I have a giveaway. As one sabbat is over the giveaway connected with it ends and a new one (connected with the next Sabbat) starts. That’s why the giveaways last so long. I wanted continuity. Just to make things clear. :)
Good luck! :)

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Interview: Jody Gehrman + Giveaway

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Jody Gehrman is the author of seven novels and numerous plays. Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is her most recent Young Adult novel. Her other Young Adult novels include Babe in Boyland, Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, and Triple Shot Bettys in Love, (Penguin's Dial Books). Babe in Boyland won the International Reading Association Teen Choice Award and has recently been optioned by the Disney Channel. Her adult novels are Notes from the Backseat, Tart, and Summer in the Land of Skin (Red Dress Ink). Her plays have been produced in Ashland, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and L.A. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She is a professor of English at Mendocino College.

1) Hi Jody, thank you for joining us today. Could you please introduce yourself? 


Hello, Petra's people! A little about me: Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is my seventh novel. My most recent YA novel before this was Babe in Boyland, which has recently been optioned for film by the Disney Channel (super excited about that). I also write plays, and I'm an English Professor at Mendocino College in Northern California. 


2) Can you shortly describe what is your latest novel, a YA paranormal romance called Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, about? 


I'm horrible at describing my books in a pithy, articulate way, so I'll just give you the standard short synopsis if that's okay: Falling in love, baking a magical cake, fighting an evil necromancer—it’s all in a day’s work for Audrey Oliver, seventeen-year-old witch-in-training. When her mother goes missing and her mysterious "cousin" shows up out of the blue, Audrey knows something’s gone horribly, dangerously wrong. Now it’s up to her to get her own magical powers up to speed before everyone she loves is destroyed by the sorcerer intricately connected to her mother’s secret past. 


3) Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is the first book in the series. I noticed the series has got no name yet. What are your ideas for the name, if it's not a secret? :) 


We're calling it the "Audrey's Guide" series. 


4) How many books do you plan in this series and when the second one will be out? 


I have three books planned and the next book is tentatively titled AUDREY'S GUIDE TO SLAYING ZOMBIES AND BREAKING HEARTS. I'm hoping to have that out sometime next year. 


5) This is your first paranormal novel. Why witches? 


Well, I've always been fascinated with witchcraft. I even dabbled in it a bit in my youth. I started writing AUDREY about seven years ago as a book for adults, but I never felt like it was quite working. Then I realized it would work well as a YA novel, so I pulled out the old draft and gave it a radical makeover. 


6) Besides witches, what are your favourite and least favourite paranormal/supernatural beings and why? 


 I love fairies, mermaids, and werewolves. Vampires can be fun but I feel a little vamp-saturated at this point, unless the writer has a truly fresh take on them. 


7) What are your favourite books? Who are your favourite writers? 


I adore everything by Beth Fantaskey (such as JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE). I also really love Stacey Jay's work (especially YOU ARE SO UNDEAD TO ME). Nina LaCour's THE DISENCHANTMENTS is haunting, sweet and beautiful. 


8) What do you enjoy besides books? 


Swimming, yoga, windsurfing, kick-boxing, billiards, theatre, thrift-shopping, movies. 


9) Anything you'd like to add? 


Guess I'd just like to give a shout-out to book bloggers. I've been amazed at how supportive you all are, and how much work you do every day without much compensation. It's such a powerful thing for writers and readers to have this super talented network of book lovers working so hard on our behalf. So thanks, Petra and other bloggers, for giving so much! 


Giveaways:


You can win one e-copy (INT) and one signed print copy (US/Canada) of Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft. It ends on August 21. Good luck! :)


Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft (Book 1) by Jody Gehrman

One e-copy (INT):


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One signed print copy (US/Can):

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Review: On the Day I Died

 On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave by Candace Fleming

*eARC copy received through NetGalley.

Publisher:    Random House Children's Books
Pub Date:    July 10, 2012 
ISBN:         9780375867811 

The phenomenally versatile, award-winning author, Candace Fleming, gives teen and older tween readers ten ghost stories sure to send chills up their spines. Set in White Cemetery, an actual graveyard outside Chicago, each story takes place during a different time period from the 1860's to the present, and ends with the narrator's death. Some teens die heroically, others ironically, but all due to supernatural causes. Readers will meet walking corpses and witness demonic posession, all against the backdrop of Chicago's rich history—the Great Depression, the World's Fair, Al Capone and his fellow gangsters.

Creepy! I enjoyed this book a lot! There was only one story that I didn't like that much, but it was mostly because of its theme, not because of how it was written. The author is very skilled at creating dark, gothic atmosphere and interesting characters in a short time. And that's quite handy when you write a short-story collection.

At the end of the book the author talks about her inspiration and background for each story. She mentions The Alfred Hitchcock Hour she used to watch with her sister when they were little children. I loved to watch it, too, and I remember the weird, creepy feeling I was left with when an episode ended. Some of the stories in this book made me feel the same way.

Obviously the author researched a lot, as every story takes place in a different time and every one of them feels authentic when it comes to capturing the zeitgeist. The attention the author paid to little details was amazing. I also liked the other little things that made the stories special, like for example in one story, where the main character is Edgar and another character there is Mrs. Usher!


This is a well-written collection of scary ghost stories!


Rating:

Blog Tour Stop: Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan + Giveaway

Fractured Light (Fractured Light #1) by Rachel McClellan

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. But she never felt ready to face them---until now. Defying the Auran Council and everything she's been taught, Llona must learn to use her power over light as a weapon if she wants to survive.

About the Author:

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Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was... 

Guest Post:

Writing’s a Tough Gig 

I've heard many writers say it. Writing takes a lot of time, and often we do it alone. Sometimes family and friends look at what we do as a "hobby", similar to what they do when they play golf on Saturday mornings. "How nice," they say. "What a wonderful way to pass the time."  

But many don't realize that writing is our passion, not a hobby.  It's on our mind 24 hours a day. We yearn to hole up, uninterrupted, to expel the voices in our heads. We work countless hours, months, years to bring our characters to life. We don't have the aid of a quick lightening bolt, only our determination and strong desire to create world for others to experience.  

We face constant rejection, and yet we still push forward. And even when our project is complete, and our newborn lies in our arms, we still face ridicule. Some say our baby is ugly, empty, a complete waste.  

But others love it.  

They cry, laugh, scream, and mourn with our characters just like we did. They hope for more, to travel to our other worlds and discover what we already know exists.  

And we are happy. 


Giveaway:

One winner will get an e-copy of Fractured Light, so it's international and it ends on July 26.
Also, there is a huge giveaway on Dark Mind Book Tours blog! It's international as well. Good luck! :)

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Cover Reveal: Traitor

Traitor (Bridger #2) by Megan Curd

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Designed by Mooney Designs.

 Ashlyn never believed in fairy tales until she was in one.

They say ignorance is bliss, but not when you're on a centuries old hit list...and there's a traitor in your midst.

Ashlyn must decide what's most important: trusting the allies she has, or siding with those she thought were enemies. Ashlyn knows old friends can turn on her, and unlikely allies may be the best chance she has to piece her family back together. No matter what her choice, she could lose someone she loves.

And when you don't know who to trust, believe one thing: You can never trust a faerie.

Blog Tour Stop: Lonely Souls (The Witch Avenue Series, #1) by Karice Bolton

Click to get to this tour's page. :)

Lonely Souls (The Witch Avenue Series, #1) by Karice Bolton

It’s two weeks before Triss turns 18, and her world is about to change into the most magical one imaginable as she readies herself to enter The Witch Avenue Order... that is until her mother’s disappearance. Instead of celebrating her transformation, she finds herself spreading rose petals into her mother’s empty grave.

When Logan, her best friend from junior high, moves back to town for college, he vows to help her find the answers she so desperately seeks surrounding her mother’s disappearance. As they begin uncovering clues, it becomes apparent that the life of white magic they both grew up loving is not what the majority practices, and their lives are in danger.

With a haunting feeling that her mother may still be alive, she begins to hear a call to the wilderness. Triss realizes that in order to find the answers she needs, she must learn the ways of her ancestors and become the hunter, not the hunted before it’s too late, and she becomes part of the lonely souls.

 
About the Author: 


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Karice Bolton is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy author living in the Pacific Northwest. All three books in The Watchers Trilogy are available now, Awakening, Legions, and Cataclysm. Lonely Souls, which is the first book in her new series Witch Avenue, will be released in June 2012!
Karice married the love of her life who she met in high school, and she still can't get over how cute and funny he is. They have two English Bulldogs that are the cutest bullies in the world, and they use their cuteness to get what they want. Karice loves the snow and gravitates towards the stuff as often as possible! She enjoys skiing and tries really hard to snowboard, but often makes a nice little area to sit while everyone zips by on their board. She enjoys writing, and she also loves to read just about anything with print


ARC Review:


This was an enjoyable read, especially because there were some new things I haven't read about in any other books. First of all, the concept of lonely souls; something that can be found in different religions and/or beliefs.
Then the way magic was portrayed here. It was a mix of what witches/Wiccans practise now and the magic that is often found in fantasy books like Harry Potter. Quite interesting and original.
I also liked the attention the author paid to all the herbs and their meanings.


When it comes to characters, Triss was quite likeable. I enjoyed her stubbornness and bossiness, but her ability to be still kind and caring.
What I appreciated about Logan was his slight inclination to the dark side, it made him more complex and believable. And in general, I liked the darker tone this book sometimes had.


The story was quite heavy on romance, which I didn't mind, but I would probably prefer more mystery and background of the magic and witches in this series. However, I think we are going to learn more about that in the next book, which I'm surely going to read. Oh, and the last chapter was amazing! :)


Rating:

Giveaway:


The giveaway is tour wide and international. Good luck! :)

 

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Audiobook Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Joel Johnstone (Narrator), Debra Wiseman (Narrator)

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heart-rending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

I don't normally listen to audiobooks (big mistake!) and I don't read contemporary YA much either.
Well, that is probably about to change, because this was an incredible experience. I was inspired by Priscilla at the Readables who listened to this audio-book in June. She liked the idea of listening to a book where the main character is listening himself to something. And she was right!

You know how it's said that society makes you desire things you really don't want, and it tells you who and what to like, how to dress, what to eat, and even what nail polish to put on your toes? In other words, there is this constant pressure from society on an individual, and for whatever reason this can be especially applied to (American) high-schools. Everything is very shallow and fake, there is no room for truth. And of course this influences everyone's behaviour. And this is exactly what this book is about. About how a weaker (and maybe even a stronger) individual can be step by step destroyed by other people's behaviour. It's shown through a story of a girl who was unfortunate and experienced many bad episodes, was used, stalked, overlooked, witnessed terrible things, and when she asked for help, she was practically refused. So when she decided to end her life, she let all the wrongdoers know they were one of the thirteen reasons why she committed suicide.
Yeah, it was pretty sad and depressive story, especially when you let yourself wonder how many times has your own behaviour influenced other people's lives.

It might look like Hannah was the main character, but I think Clay was the main focus here. He was the one who understood what Hannah's story was all about and who let it transform him. He was the one who became stronger and stopped caring how his acts will be perceived by others. He was the one who made sure Hannah's history won't be repeated. Both Hannah and the author put hope into Clay. Hope that maybe there are people who after listening to Hannah's story would think that probably we should care less about all the superficial sh*t and for a change do something honest and truthful.


Rating:

Blog Tour Stop: The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson + Giveaway

The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson

16-year-old Clare can't stop drawing the bizarre, winged skulls she calls "Sammies". Her psychiatrist assumes the compulsive drawings are just expressions of Clare's grief over her father abandoning her. But then Clare discovers that her Sammies are exact matches for the Death's Head on the grave of Samantha Forsythe, a teen who reportedly fell to her death over two centuries ago.

Before long, Clare's drawings morph into cryptic writings that urge her to uncover the truth behind Samantha's death. Together with Neil -- the friend she might be falling for -- Clare scours the local history for clues. She finds that, although Samantha was engaged to a wealthy landowner, there were whispered rumours of her involvement with a younger, biracial man.

Soon, Clare is haunted by disturbing dream images -- a mysterious eye, a broken chain -- that point to someone Samantha called her "Dearest". But who is Dearest? And why does Samantha need Clare to find him so badly?

Isolated and carrying hidden scars of her own, Clare fears her obsession with Samantha will threaten her sanity and safety. But it seems she has no choice in the matter . . .

The Grave Artist is a compelling paranormal murder mystery and a poignant story about loss and what it means thrive in a less-than-perfect reality.

About the Author:


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Paula Lynn Johnson loves a good ghost story. She's a former English major and attorney living in central New Jersey with her husband, kids, cat, dog, and killer rabbit. She adores them all, even the killer rabbit.
Paula also loves a good laugh! You can read her short, humorous pieces on sites like The Big Jewel and Errant Parent, or on her blog, Twaddle Like a Duck.
When she's not writing, Paula sells antiques and art out of Lambertville, NJ. You can visit her online at Tiny's Lambertville.

Guest Post:


The Grave Artist: Excerpt from Clare’s Diary


November 22 


Can’t sleep. Tried watching some stupid reality TV show about a pet grooming salon, but couldn’t concentrate. Mom had left a pen out on the couch, along with the Sunday crossword. Tried filling in a few words, but then I started drawing again, before I could stop myself. As if I could stop myself.


Surprise, surprise. I drew another winged skull – this one bloodied on one side. Concave, too, with deep cracks in the bone, like someone bashed it in with a baseball bat. I think this must be my millionth Death’s Head by now, and my grisliest to date. I drew it right over Mom’s crossword, too. She’s going to love that. Back to the shrink, Clare. 


I wish I could call Gollum, but it’s two in the morning. Talking to him always makes me feel better. He almost convinces me that my compulsive drawing makes me artsy and interesting, as opposed to completely psycho. I’m kind of attracted to him – who wouldn’t be? He’s talented and smart and has the kind of eyes you can get lost in for hours. But I’m pretty sure he only thinks of me as his friend.


Make that his crazy friend. 


Ugh. Now it’s 2:15. I’ve got a math test tomorrow at school, plus a history report to finish. It would help to get some rest. The best thing would be to go back to bed, relax, and drift off. But every time I try, I sense a nightmare coming on. My nerve-endings light up like warning signals, and I find myself awake and staring in the dark. 


Those nightmares. Who is that man who keeps stalking me, and why does he seem to savor my fear? Does he push me from the ledge, or do I slip and fall? I know they’re just dreams, but the crushing pain in my head seems all too real. 


Gollum thinks I’m channeling Samantha, that she’s trying to tell me something. But for all I know, maybe she’s just a dead girl who enjoys messing with my head . . . 


Giveaway:


This is a tour wide giveaway, US only. You can win a hand-hammered sterling silver pendant (about 3/4" wide) on a sterling 16 inch chain. Good luck! :)

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Promo: The Promise (The Lady Quill Chronicles) by D.D. Chant + Giveaway

The Promise (The Lady Quill Chronicles) by D.D. Chant

Dear Reader,
I wish to tell you a tale that began with a promise destined to change the lives of many.
When only a child, Lady Adele of Berron lost her family during a dreadful battle and was betrothed to a stranger.
Lord Rafe of Valrek, only a boy himself when the battle of Calis raged, grew to be a feared warrior and trusted advisor to his King. But sadness filled his past and Adele served only to remind him of all he had lost.
However the promise that bound these two together caused great anger to some.
What, Dear Reader, happened in those days of treachery and darkness? Incline your ear that I may whisper the secrets that you so desire to hear......

Lady Quill

About the Author:


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Hi everyone!
My name is Dee Dee, I’m twenty five and I live in a beautiful part of Devon, England with my family. I have a younger sister, Amy who is a brilliant guitar player, some chickens, a cat (that adopted us when we moved in!!!) and some Koi.
Broken City is actually my second novel. My first, as my Aunt so delicately put it, was crazy but in my defence I was only sixteen at the time. On the plus side I learnt a lot (or so I hope) and two years later ‘Broken City’ was finished. Since then I have written another book ‘The Promise’, which is set in Saxon England it’s the beginning of a series and I am currently editing my third book which is set in the distant future and is also the start of a series. I’m about half way through and very excited about it!
I really hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I love reading and have a kindle: I read almost anything with adventure and romance in it! I also like to cook and wear impractical high heels!!! And as you might have noticed I have a horrible addiction to exclamation marks!!!

Giveaway:


Giveaway is international and ends on July 21. One winner will get a Smashwords code. Good luck! :)

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Cover Reveal: Witch Born

Witch Born by Amber Argyle

Brusenna thought it was finished.

She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong.

She was wrong.

Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands.

Some things can't be saved.

A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything.

Including her life.

Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Promo: The Flight of the Griffin by C.M. Gray + Giveaway

The Flight of the Griffin by C.M. Gray

Living in their old boat ‘The Griffin’ five young characters become the unlikely heroes at the end of time when a burglary sets them on the path to finish the ‘Last great Spell’ - a spell to stop the balance of the World tipping into Chaos...

They become the Magician, Thief, Priest and Fighter when a magical book guides them upon a quest that pits them against magic, demons and ‘The Hawk,’ an evil hunter of men.

Join a race against time to find three crystal skulls that must be brought together, while all the forces of Chaos try everything to stop them!

About the Author:

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Born in Essex, England I have been lucky enough to live and travel in many countries around the world. In fact I have lived more time outside of England than I have living there! Home for me now is just outside of Barcelona, Spain where I live in a house in the middle of the forest with my Dutch born wife and two children.

My writing is mostly fantasy and many of the experiences I have had in Asia, Africa and the middle east come to life in my writing. The Flight of the Griffin follows the adventures of a group of young orphans as they battle demons and bandits on a magical quest to stop the world tipping into Chaos. Shadowland blends fantasy with history as an old story teller takes his audience back to Britain's dark ages.

 Giveaway:


Giveaway is international. One winner will get a code for Smashwords. It ends on July 18. Good luck! :)

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Owl Post + RAK June/July

             Owl Post is a new meme hosted by Brodie at Eleusinian Mysteries.

Bought:

The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking, #1) by Patrick Ness 
Night School (Night School #1) by C.J. Daugherty
Die for Me (Revenants, #1) by Amy Plum

The Night of the Solstice (Wildworld, #1) by L.J. Smith
Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters, #1) by Kelly Keaton 
Demonglass (Hex Hall, #2) by Rachel Hawkins


&

My friend gave me these! :)

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2) by Cassandra Clare


For Review:

One copy for review, one for a giveaway in August!

The Evelyn Project by Kfir Luzzatto

Arson (Arson, #1) by Estevan Vega

 Lonely Souls (The Witch Avenue Series, #1) by Karice Bolton
+ this amazing swag pack! Thank you! :)

Pledged (Soul Wars Saga #1) by Gwynneth White
Giveaway here! :)



RAK

  
I signed up for July! :) For all the rules and info click here. :)


RAKs Received in June:

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly from Mariska @ mariska's books & reviews....
Leviathan (Leviathan #1) by Scott Westerfeld from Marika @ Living for Books.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (the watercolour edition) from Claire @ WHNBSTIHWSOFT.
Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore from Debdatta @ b00k r3vi3ws.


Thank you so much! :)


RAKs Sent in June:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R.R. Martin to Pragya @ Reviewing Shelf.
Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger to Claire @ WHNBSTIHWSOFT.

And here is my RAK wishlist. :)

Have a great week! :)

Petra